A wild tiger peeks through the lush green palm leaves of Thailand, its eyes intently focused. The foliage partially obscures its face, creating a striking contrast between the tiger's vibrant fur and the verdant greenery.

Whispers of the Wild – Tigers in Thailand

Nature & Wildlife·1 x 50 min·In Development

Discover Thailand’s Huai Kha Khaeng Sanctuary, where successful tiger conservation offers hope for the species’ survival and a blueprint for global recovery efforts.

Factsheet
Genre
Conservation
Nature & Wildlife
Duration
1 × 50 min
Definition
4K
Audio
5.1
Status
In Development
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Synopsis

A remote and secluded area in Thailand – the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is a beacon of hope for tiger recovery. This film paints a vivid picture of a successful model for tiger conservation that could extend beyond Thailand’s borders.
Tigers have captivated human imagination across the globe for centuries, yet their very existence hangs in the balance. Their range once stretched from the Eastern Anatolia region in the west to the Amur River basin in the east, including the verdant Himalayan foothills, lush forests, and as far south as Bali in the Sunda Islands. Tigers are adaptable, thriving in varied environments, from the frigid Siberian taigas to the steamy mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans.

It’s estimated that there are only 4,000 to 5,000 mature wild tigers left across the globe. Scattered across various regions, these fragmented and secluded populations cling to a mere fragment of their ancestral Asian domains – less than 3% of their historic range remains under their paws. But there is hope.

Huai Kha Khaeng: A Model for Tiger Recovery 
In the heart of Thailand, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, successful tiger recovery site, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974. As well as a safe space, it has long provided a critical corridor for tigers to move freely, safeguarding their genetic diversity and long-term population health.

Backed by a public-private partnership, the sanctuary began a program of ecological restoration. Consequently, rangers built salt licks to provide a source of essential minerals for herbivores, and vital species like the sambar deer and the enigmatic Eld’s deer were reintroduced.

The Impact of Tiger Recovery        
In Huai Kha Khaeng, dedication has paid off – conservationists, park rangers, scientists, and local communities have joined forces to achieve significant results. With an estimated 74 tigers roaming its combined territory – up from 42 a decade ago – Huai Kha Khaeng and its partner sanctuary Thung Yai form the largest single area for Indo-Chinese tigers in the world. This success is a testament to the collaborative approach taken by government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, working together to protect this vital tiger habitat.

Challenges & Awareness       
But Huai Kha Khaeng’s tiger recovery journey is far from over. Poaching, habitat fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflicts threaten the tigers’ long-term survival. To keep overcoming these challenges demands solid commitment, collaboration and innovative solutions.

One initiative that adds to the success of the program is education. Engaging educational programs, outreach campaigns, and interactive experiences all encourage individuals to become supporters of tigers and their conservation.

This model can serve as a blueprint for global tiger conservation efforts. Through stunning visuals and captivating footage from camera traps, WHISPERS OF THE WILD will be a vital tool for raising awareness and securing a thriving future for tigers.

Team

Written and directed by Heinz Leger
Executive producers Sabine Holzer, Walter Köhler
Production companies A production of Terra Mater Studios
Footage rights

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